A laissez-faire approach to short bursts of corticosteroids may lead to over- exposure in the fetus and the young child

Abstract

Corticosteroids, in whichever form they occur, are potent drugs with serious short- and long-term side effects. Their indications for use encompass many diseases and all age groups, even extending to the fetus. In view of the potency and dangers of corticosteroids though, those who prescribe them must do so only for evidence-based indications and with informed consent. Documenting all exposures reflects corticosteroid stewardship and an awareness of a cumulative end point which determines toxicity rather than the dose and duration of therapy.